Nissan GT-R

2017 Nissan GT-R new front end

The 2017 Nissan GT-R will debut with its new look next week at the 2016 New York International Auto Show. We can’t show you what it will look like until Wednesday, March 23, but we do have a teaser image of the car’s rear end. Before the all-new GT-R comes out in 2018, here’s a preview of some of the car’s final round of changes, including the 2017 Nissan GT-R new front end.

2017 Nissan GT-R new grille

The main change to the 2017 Nissan GT-R front end will be to incorporate the V-motion grille that’s now standard across the lineup.That doesn’t mean the GT-R will suddenly look like a Maxima. It’s more likely the outline of the top part of the grille will simply be inverted to make a subtle V-shape. Down below, the air inlets will probably be raked out for a more aggressive look. New headlights and a more sculpted hood will complete the facelift.

Nissan GT-R

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2017 Nissan GT-R new wheels and side skirts

When it comes to wheels, Nissan’s engineers know that light weight and strength are the most important factors. The next main concern is ventilating the large performance brakes. With that said, we don’t think they’ll go too outlandish with the design of the new wheels, even though this is the last hurrah for this model. Expect the same approach with the side skirts. Only aficionados will likely notice the difference.

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2017 Nissan GT-R new rear end

The 2016 GT-R has a very distinctive rear profile, mostly thanks to its signature taillights, as we can see from the teaser image. Don’t expect it to change too drastically for 2017. The new look will keep the taillights but with just a little more character in the bodywork around them. A new rear diffuser integrated into the bumper will enhance the downforce.

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2017 Nissan GT-R horsepower

The 2016 GT-R makes 545 hp, but Nissan’s engineers have said they still see more potential for this powerplant. Since the GT-R NISMO already puts out a more impressive 600 hp, and since this is the final upgrade for the current-generation car, we expect the GT-R to get a nice little power boost. Something pretty close to the NISMO’s 600 hp isn’t out of the question.